Ilford Man Found Guilty of Wife’s Murder
Muhammad Ilyas, 41, from Kingston Road, Ilford, was convicted of murdering his wife Maria Rafael Chavex at the Old Bailey on Friday, 10 June.
Strangulation in Family Home
On the evening of 13 May 2021, police were called to a property on Kingston Road where Maria, 32, was found unresponsive. Despite efforts by officers and paramedics, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Initial checks showed no obvious injuries or signs of a struggle. However, a post-mortem on 26 May revealed Maria died from neck compression, likely strangulation.
Evidence Against Ilyas Mounts
Homicide detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command launched a full investigation. Using CCTV footage and neighbour interviews, they established Ilyas murdered Maria that afternoon while their three children were at school.
Ilyas was arrested and denied any wrongdoing, claiming Maria died from natural causes. The forensic evidence brutally contradicted his story.
Family Tragedy and Upcoming Sentence
The couple had emigrated to the UK in 2019. Maria was taking English classes and Ilyas worked at a market stall in Stratford.
“Ilyas has not offered any explanation about the circumstances that led to his wife’s death and has refused to accept responsibility for her murder,” said Detective Chief Inspector Laurence Smith.
“This is a tragic case that has left three children without their parents. The impact will stay with them for life. My heartfelt condolences go out to them and Maria’s family and friends.”
Muhammad Ilyas is set to be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, 1 July.
